With a recent European resolution calling for tariffs and trade barriers against any palm oil linked to deforestation, Malaysia's minister for plantations and commodities warns: "We will react and respond accordingly to anydiscriminatory measures against Malaysian palm oil."

Last week the Malaysian minister for plantations and commodities, Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong, travelled to Strasbourg to discuss the resolution, which wants to see tough measures to halt the deforestation of rainforests linked to palm oil production, and the possible consequences should it go through with MEPs and Commissioners.

The resolution calls on the Commission to put an end to the use of palm oil in biofuels and to create a single mandatory certification scheme that all palm oil entering Europe must adhere to.

The report also calls for punitive measures, such as tariffs and other trade barriers, on unsustainable oil entering the EU. Given that Malaysia exported over two billion euros worth of palm oil to Europe last year, it has indicated such measures would be retaliated.

"Malaysia and Europe have always had good relations and we are big trading partners with each other. We will take very seriously any action which is discriminatory towards Malaysian exports. Palm is an important part of our economy.

"...Millions of families will be affected by discriminatory measures so we will have to react and respond accordingly."

"As a producer country we are better suited to know the [appropriate] conditions and criteria," he said.

"There is no point in having a certificate that only 10% of farmers can adhere to. We want 100% and that is why we feel that our Malaysian home-grown standard, MSPO, has the correct criteria and the practicality to ensure that everyone adheres to it."

Another thorn in the side of producer countries is the rise of palm oil free labels in Europe. They see this as unfairly targeting a single ingredient.

With a recent European resolution calling for tariffs and trade barriers against any palm oil linked to deforestation, Malaysia's minister for plantations and commodities warns: "We will react and respond accordingly to anydiscriminatory measures against Malaysian palm oil."